2002: The Traditional Debut
2003: Vibrant Hues and Statement Eyes
2004: Transition to Western Glamour
2005: Sleek and Sophisticated
2006: Embracing Elegance
2008: Classic Neutrals
2009: The Slick Look
2010: Understated Elegance
2011: Subtle Glamour
2012: Post-Motherhood Radiance
2013: Bold and Beautiful
2014: Golden Goddess
2015: Emerald Elegance
2016: The Lilac Lip Statement
2017: Cinderella Moment
2018: Futuristic Flair
2019: Dramatic Eyes
2022: Floral Fantasy
2024: Signature Sophistication
2002: The Traditional Debut
Aishwarya made a grand entrance at Cannes with Devdas promotions, draped in a golden Neeta Lulla saree. Her makeup was a celebration of Indian heritage– dramatic kohl-lined eyes, a striking bindi, and softly tinted lips. It was the beginning of her Cannes legacy, wrapped in tradition and elegance.
2003: Vibrant Hues and Statement Eyes
Keeping her love for Indian wear alive, Aishwarya chose a neon green Neeta Lulla saree. Her beauty look? Shimmery lids, glossy lips, and defined brows, radiating youthful charm. Yet, this bold appearance stirred controversy. Critics slammed the designer, prompting Neeta Lulla to respond: “There were some 47 outfits that went with her for the whole festival… Somewhere, I guess what happened was possibly time, possibly because of different collaborations… I really don’t know what happened there.”
2004: Transition to Western Glamour
This year marked a bold shift– Aishwarya stepped out in a white cut-out gown by Neeta Lulla. Her makeup mirrored the Western aesthetic: contoured cheeks, smoky eyes, and nude lips. While heavily critiqued, this look was a turning point in her Cannes fashion story, ushering in a new era of red-carpet glamour as the face of L’Oréal.
2005: Sleek and Sophisticated
Aishwarya embraced minimalism in a chic Gucci gown and an Armani floral number. Her makeup followed suit– barely-there blush, soft lips, and subtle eyeliner brought her natural features to the forefront. The overall effect was timeless, polished, and effortlessly feminine.
See Also: Cannes’ Eternal Muse: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Most Iconic Makeup Moments
2006: Embracing Elegance
A romantic vibe took over as she wore pieces by Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli. Makeup artist Val Garland crafted her look with glowing skin and soft pink tones. Products like the Freshwear Foundation in Golden Beige and Color Riche Matte Lipstick in 666 – I Win gave her an enchanting, dreamy finish.
2008: Classic Neutrals
In an ivory Cavalli gown, Aishwarya returned to the classics. Her makeup was a masterclass in neutral sophistication– peachy lips, defined brows, and a clean, radiant base.
2009: The Slick Look
Wearing a silky Elie Saab gown, she stunned with smoky eyes and nude lips. Her hair, parted to the side and styled into a sleek low ponytail, tied it all together. As Aishwarya described it herself, the goal was a “fresh and beautiful makeup look to complement the gown”– and she nailed it.
2010: Understated Elegance
In a Sabyasachi saree, Aishwarya’s makeup was intentionally soft– muted tones, smoky lids, nude lips, and an elegant low bun. It was the perfect balance of understated yet opulent.
2011: Subtle Glamour
Soft glam reigned as she wore Elie Saab once again. Smoky eyes, nude lips, and a gentle blush played up her natural features– though she also surprised with flashes of bright blue and gold on her lids, showing off her experimental edge.
2012: Post-Motherhood Radiance
Making a radiant return after motherhood, Aishwarya glowed in Elie Saab. Luminous skin, softly defined eyes, and petal-pink lips became her winning combo. She embraced bolder eyeshadow shades while keeping the rest of her look clean and fresh.
See Also: Cannes’ Eternal Muse: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Most Iconic Makeup Moments
2013: Bold and Beautiful
Her makeup took a daring turn– smokey, sultry eyes, chiselled cheeks, and nude lips created a powerful look that matched her teal Gucci gown. Sleek waves and sculpted brows added even more drama to this glam renaissance.
2014: Golden Goddess
This year, Aishwarya brought the heat in a gilded Roberto Cavalli gown. Her beauty look? Total Hollywood glam– red lips, bronzed cheeks, long lashes, and cat-eye drama using a mix of dull gold and brown shadows. A coral blush popped on her cheeks, and voluminous waves sealed the deal.
2015: Emerald Elegance
She turned heads in emerald Elie Saab, offset by a rich marsala lip, metallic eyes, and glowing skin. Deep burgundy tones and cascading waves made for a lush, romantic beauty moment.
2016: The Lilac Lip Statement
One of her most talked-about looks, Aishwarya dared to wear lilac lipstick with a floral Rami Kadi gown. Dewy skin and soft eyes let the bold lip colour shine. She proudly applauded her makeup artists, while the internet buzzed over the unexpected choice.
2017: Cinderella Moment
Living a real-life fairytale in Michael Cinco, she kept her makeup whimsical– shimmering eyes, rosy cheeks, and a soft pink lip. Straight, centre-parted hair added elegance without stealing attention from her gown.
2018: Futuristic Flair
Aishwarya went edgy in a metallic gown and bolder makeup– winged liner, chiselled cheekbones, and a muted lip gave her a sharp, space-age chic vibe.
2019: Dramatic Eyes
In a feathered fantasy ensemble, she let her eyes do all the talking– yellow eyeshadow, exaggerated eyeliner, and full lashes. The lips stayed nude with a hint of shimmer, balancing the bold eye game with grace.
2022: Floral Fantasy
Decked out in Dolce & Gabbana florals, Aishwarya’s makeup by Val Garland was flawless. Think luminous highlights, winged eyeliner, fluttery lashes, and a matte pink pout. Her brushed brows and soft contour added depth without overpowering the floral drama.
2024: Signature Sophistication
At Cannes 2024, she returned in a regal black-and-gold Falguni Shane Peacock gown. Her makeup? Classic Aishwarya– winged liner, matte lips, a rosy flush, and well-groomed brows. The look was a tribute to her enduring elegance, proving once again she’s the undisputed queen of Cannes.
Over the years, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes appearances have not only highlighted her sartorial choices but also her evolving makeup styles, making her a true beauty icon on the global stage.
See Also: Indians Who Turned Heads At The Cannes Red Carpet Through The Years
